Self-cleaning filter and filtration system for lubricants

ABSTRACT

The disclosed self-cleaning filtration system and self-cleaning filter solves various problems by replacing a standard filter cartridge with an adapter screwed in place of the cartridge, a filter of limited size with a motor for rotating an inlet cover plate and an outlet cover plate over a body with a plurality of longitudinal channels inside of a circumferential filtration media where the different parts of the media are used alternately in forward and backward flow. In another embodiment, instead of entry and drain openings, the oil is placed directly in contact with each longitudinal channel with the exception of the channel in fluidic communication with the drain opening. The self-filtration system includes a self-cleaning filter used in tandem with an adapter, a decanter, and a series of hoses. In yet another embodiment, the self-cleaning filter includes either in replacement of the rotating shaft or in addition to the shaft a body with an expandable chamber for storage of oil used as driving force of a back flushing valve.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present patent application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/925,251, filed Oct. 26, 2007, and entitled Self-Cleaning Filter and Filtration System for Lubricants, which prior application is hereby incorporated herein by reference to be issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,841,487.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present invention relates to a self-cleaning filtration system for lubricants, and in particular, to the filtration of lubricating fluids such as oil used by internal combustion engines.

BACKGROUND

Engines use oil or other lubricants to enhance conductive heat transfer and to prevent overheating by limiting friction. Viscous fluids also serve as a limited leakage containment system and help reduce noise and vibrations within the engine when in operation. As fluids are used in the engine, they are degraded by coming into contact with small particles of metal or dirt from external sources. As oil degrades, it must be regenerated through replacement, introduction of new oil, filtration, or a combination thereof.

One of the most common method of filtration is the use of filtering cartridges secured to the engine where oil circulates. Traditional filters include a filtration media designed to trap particles of dirt and other residue as the oil migrates through the filtration media. Filtration through filtration media requires a driving force, often a pressure differential between the oil inlet and the oil outlet in the filter. As the filtration media traps dirt, the pressure required to push the oil through the filter increases. Because static filters are incapable of evacuating the dirt and residue, the filter increases in weight and reduces the overall efficiency of the engine. All static filters clog and thus require a release valve to bypass the filtration media. When these bypasses are opened, the filtration activity drops to zero.

Filter replacement requires the purchase, temporary storage, and installation of new filters. Discard of these filters also produces waste in the form of the casing in which the filtration media is stored. In addition to the cost associated with the purchase and maintenance of these filters, the loss of engine efficiency results in a higher fuel and oil cost for internal combustion engines.

What is needed is a self-cleaning filter of compact geometry that is capable of replacing cartridge filters known in the industry and improving engine efficiency.

SUMMARY

The disclosed self-cleaning filtration system and self-cleaning filter solves various problems by replacing a standard filter cartridge with an adapter screwed in place of the cartridge, a filter of limited size with a motor for rotating an inlet cover plate and an outlet cover plate over a body with a plurality of longitudinal channels inside of a circumferential filtration media where the different parts of the media are used alternately in forward and backward flow. As the cover plates rotate, each longitudinal channel comes in successive fluidic communication with either an entry opening where oil is pushed in the longitudinal channel through the filtration media and into an external cavity where filtered oil is reintroduced in the engine, or the longitudinal channel comes in fluidic communication with a drain opening where the flow through the filtration media is reversed and oil from the external cavity is pushed back into the longitudinal channel to transport stored debris into a decanter for storage, elimination, decantation and reuse. In another embodiment, instead of entry and drain openings, the oil is placed directly in contact with each longitudinal channel with the exception of the channel in fluidic communication with the drain opening. The self-filtration system includes a self-cleaning filter used in tandem with an adapter, a decanter, and a series of hoses. In yet another embodiment, the self-cleaning filter includes either in replacement of the rotating shaft or in addition to the shaft a body with an expandable chamber for storage of oil used as driving force of a back flushing valve.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-cleaning filtration system for lubricant as installed on an engine according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the self-cleaning filtration system for lubricant as supplied before installation according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of part of the internal elements of the self-cleaning filter for a lubricant shown as part of the self-cleaning filtration system of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an elevation of the outlet cover plate as seen from arrow 4-4 as shown in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an elevation of the inlet cover plate as seen from arrow 5-5 as shown in FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 a plan view of the self-cleaning filter as part of the self-cleaning filtration system as shown in FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an elevation of an alternate embodiment of the inlet cover plate of FIG. 5 on the internal elements of the self-cleaning filter for a lubricant.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the alternate embodiment of the self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of FIG. 7 as contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of another embodiment of the self-cleaning filter for a lubricant having a pressurized expandable chamber in the non-expanded position.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the filter of FIG. 9 where the pressurized expandable chamber is in the expanded position.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of another embodiment of the self-cleaning filter where the pressurized expandable chamber is adapted for insertion in the system shown at FIG. 6 or any variant thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is not limited to the particular details of the device depicted, and other modifications and applications may be contemplated. Further changes may be made in the above-described device without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention herein involved. It is intended, therefore, that the subject matter in the above depictions should be interpreted as illustrative, not in a limiting sense.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-cleaning filtration system 100 for lubricants installed on an engine (not shown) according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. While the different figures show the different elements of a filtration system, what is not shown as is customary in the art is the lubricant itself, which is a viscous liquid contained and confined within the filtration system 100 that surrounds and covers all internal parts of the system 100. What is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art of engine lubrication is the need to prime and fill the entire system 100, with oil or other lubricant to permit the free flow of lubricant within the system. What is also not shown is the use of the filtered lubricant as an internal lubricant within the self-cleaning filtration system 100, or the technology associated with the different methods of fixation of the elements where self-cleaning filtration is needed. Fixation methods vary extensively from system to system, and as shown in FIG. 2, a long length of hose 15 attached 16 may be provided along with any number of quick connect fasteners 17 (four shown) that must be inserted by a mechanic on the ends of the hose once it is cut into smaller segments for installation.

What is also shown in FIG. 2 is the electrical connection 120 of the motor 4, which is also to be connected by a mechanic to an adequate and available power source. Finally, FIG. 2 shows one technology of quick-connect fasteners 17 that are clipped in the different locations shown as 20 to 27 to functionally assemble the system 100 as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 having a self-cleaning filter 2 located below the adapter 1. The decanter 3 is also shown at a position in height similar to the self-cleaning filter 2. While the placement of the decanter 3 in a vertical orientation as shown is preferred to insure that the drain of the decanter 14 remains below the level of sludge within the decanter 3, what is contemplated is the use of a decanter 3 in any orientation and attitude compared to the self-cleaning filter 2 so long as sufficient driving force is created, maintained, or assured to push the sludge through a third hose 12. In one embodiment (not shown), the drain 14 and the fasteners 25, 26 of the decanter 3 are located above the main cylindrical body 272. By placing the fasteners above the body 272, debris can be decanted by gravity.

What is also shown is the use of hexagonal bolts and counter-bolts to secure and assemble the different segments of the system 100. What is contemplated as an assembly mechanism as the best mode is a system using the technology preferred in any technology. What is shown in FIG. 1 is an embodiment in the automotive industry. In addition, while flexible, low-pressure hosing 15 is shown in FIG. 2, the hose is assembled in FIG. 1 into a first hose 10, a second hose 11, a third hose 12, and a fourth hose 14. The hosing 15 made of a polymer-based material. What is also contemplated is the use of high-pressure hose (not shown) having a metal netter over the external surface of the hose or the use of rigid pipes at even higher pressure or at greater operating temperatures.

FIG. 1 is a self-cleaning filtration system 100 for lubricants (not shown) having an adapter 1 connected to a mechanical apparatus through the connecting interface 128. The connecting interface 128 may include a seal as shown, and be attached to the mechanical apparatus using threaded oil lines 127. What is shown as 127 corresponds to a series of openings, shown in FIG. 1 as circular openings, where the unfiltered lubricant is found and where the filtered lubricant is returned to the piece of mechanical equipment.

The adapter 1 includes an outlet and an inlet 127 for the transfer of lubricant to and from the piece of mechanical equipment to the system 100. Since most automobile engines are designed to use circular filter cartridges, what is shown as the adapter 1 in FIG. 1 is a thick, circular plate with bottom connectors 20, 21 (as shown in FIG. 2). The two bottom connectors 20, 21 are connected to a first hose 10 connecting the external cavity shown in FIG. 6 with the filter outtake 21, and a second hose 11 connecting each of the entry openings also shown in FIG. 6 with the filter intake 20. Each of the first and second hoses 10, 11 are attached at each extremity via connectors 20-23 using either a socket less fitting, a quick-connect fastener 17, a nut and a counter-nut, and a 90-degree angle connection or any other hose fastening system generally known and used in the art. The adapter also includes a filter intake 20 and a filter outtake 21.

The system 100 also includes a self-cleaning filter 2, as shown in greater detail in FIG. 3, having a body 131 including a first end, a second end in opposition, a plurality of longitudinal channels 142 between the first end and the second end, a filtration media 129 external to the body 131 enclosing the plurality of longitudinal channels 142, which is in contact with a rotating inlet cover plate 130 at the first end, and a rotating outlet cover plate 132 at the second end. The body 131 as shown has an internal opening 143 to allow the shaft 134 to be slid into the body as shown in FIG. 6. The body 131 in the best contemplated mode is made of aluminum and has a plurality of radial ridges forming the different longitudinal channels 142. What is contemplated is the use of any metal to form the body 131. What is contemplated is the use, via the body 131, of a geometry capable of creating different internal segments over the surface of the filtration media 129 where a forward flow and a backward flow of lubricant can be created using alternate openings in the inlet cover plate 130 and outlet cover plate 132.

FIG. 3, is a body 131 of constant diameter with longitudinal channels 142 connected to a circular inlet cover plate 130 and a circular outlet cover plate 132. The inlet cover plate 130 includes a plurality of entry openings 140, shown as small, circular openings, each in fluidic communication with a different longitudinal channel 142 from all of the longitudinal channels situated around the body 131. FIG. 6 shows how an unfiltered lubricant 230 coming in from the first hose 11 is directed as shown by arrow 240 through the entry opening 250 into one of the longitudinal channel 142 (not shown). Arrow 260 shows how the lubricant is then pushed via pressure filtration through the filtration media 129 into an external cavity 271 leaving any filtered debris within the longitudinal channel 142 or attached to the internal surface of the filtration media 129 in direct contact with the longitudinal channel 142.

Referring back to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the outlet cover plate 132 includes at least one drain opening 144 in fluidic communication with one of the longitudinal channels 142 of the body 131 and where the other end does not have an entry opening 140 for draining the filtered debris away from the longitudinal channel 142. What is contemplated is the use of a drive mechanism 4, such as a 12-volt DC electric motor or an hydraulic drive (not shown) or a 24-volt DC electric motor, connected to a drive shaft 134 and the body 131 alternately placing the at least one drain opening 144 in fluidic communication with each of the longitudinal channels 142 in succession. As the drive mechanism 4 rotates the drive shaft 134 in unison with the inlet cover plate 130 and the outlet cover plate 132, the longitudinal channels 142 rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise or in an alternating fashion to create a regeneration cycle of the filtration media 129 where a single section of filtration media 129 serves as a filter most of the time but is subject to counterflow pressure made to dislodge the dirt, metal particles, or other debris from the internal surface of the filtration media 129 when the flow is reversed. In one embodiment, the drive shaft 134 is rotated at 15 to 30 rotations per minute. FIG. 6 further shows how during the counterflow (shown by the lower longitudinal channel 142) directs the lubricant 280 charged with dirt or debris through the drain opening 144 down 270 into the decanter 3 via a third hose 12 connecting the at least one drain opening 144 to a decanter 3 for storage of filtered debris.

In one contemplated embodiment, the body 131 has an external radius of 80 mm and a length of 130 mm. In yet another embodiment, the drain opening 144 or the entry openings 140 can be either oblong or slotted. Finally, in yet another embodiment, the longitudinal channels 143 can be inclined. FIGS. 7-8 show how a notch plate 301 can be used to block one or more of the longitudinal channels 302 with a flat profile instead of a V shape as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 illustrates how the notch plate 301 can operate according to the second embodiment. In one preferred embodiment, the housing encloses the external cavity 271 between an internal surface of the housing 129, an external surface of the filtration media 129, the inlet cover plate 130, and the outlet cover plate 132. FIG. 1 shows how the housing that may be made of polished and anodized cast aluminum and includes a top plate 123, a bottom plate 124, and a center segment 162.

FIG. 1 also shows how different Allen Key accesses 320 or other connectors can be used, such as, in one embodiment (not shown) a drain plug. What is also shown is how the decanter 3 can include a casing made of a cylindrical body 272, a top plate 122, and a bottom plate 121 for storing debris and filtered residue. A device for securing the drive mechanism 4 to the self-cleaning filter 2, such as an attachment head 125 with a control mechanism, can be used. The decanter can also serve to hold the debris while debris free oil is returned via the fourth hose 14 to the source mechanical equipment (not shown). In one preferred embodiment, the flow of oil out of the decanter 3 is about 1% to 8% of the flow of oil through the self-cleaning filter 2. The drive mechanism 4 can also include, a control mechanism for selecting the mode of operation. Returning to FIG. 6, what is also shown is the use of fixation locks 136 to secure the different elements into notches 148 and 149, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, respectively. In one embodiment, the end of the drive shaft 134 includes a plate 160 used to interlock with part of the drive mechanism 4. Using the lock nut 145, the threads 135 are placed under compression by turning the nut 145 until the head 137 of the drive shaft holds the outlet cover plate 132 and the inner cover plate 130 over the filtration media 129 into a locked assemble with the body 131. By turning the driving shaft 134, the inlet cover plate 130 and the outlet cover plate 132 are rotated.

In the above described structure, the fluid is pushed out of the filtering media 129 using a system of courter flow. What is shown is the use of a filtering media of a partitioned geometry that allows for the counter flow through a small segment of the media as the rest of the media operates normally. A subsequent advantage is the capacity to use the internal oil pressure to clean the filtration media 129. In another embodiment shown at FIG. 9-10, the filtering media 129 includes a narrow walled filter 400. As the fluid enters as described above 401 in the inlet of the self-cleaning cartridge 2, and passes through the narrow walled filter 400, debris and dirt is collected on the inside wall of the filter 400. As the filter clogs, the internal pressure rises to maintain the same flow rate through the filter 400. What is shown is how an expandable chamber 410 made of a support cylinder 411 for holding a biasing element 412 inside a body 440 attached at one hand against a cover plate 130, 132, and on the other on a moving head 413. As shown, the head slides inside a cavity 414 made inside the support cylinder 411 with variable internal radius as illustrated by a notch 420. In the embodiment as shown, an end plate 415 is locked in place 416 to control the movement of the moving head 413 past a point defined by the end plate 415. For example, if the pressure placed inside the chamber rises above a value, it may be possible for the biasing element 412 to push the head 413 past the end of the support cylinder 411. In another embodiment shown at FIG. 11, this place as shown is optional and can be removed.

The head plate 415 as shown allows for the flow of the fluid via a flow opening 417 inside the cavity 414 as shown at FIG. 10 as the internal pressure of the self-cleaning cartridge 2 rises as the fluid because dirty and filled with debris. In one embodiment, the flow opening 417 includes a filtering media to prevent the accumulation of dirt in the cavity 414 and in the other, the opening 417 is positioned so as to prevent accumulation of debris (for example on the outer edge). The head 413 as shown moves along and is held in place using seals 418 and/or rollers. In the embodiment shown, a series of concentric seals is used. A tap 419 at the second end can be screwed on allows for the introduction of pressurized air or other fluid into the inside of the cavity 414 and the support cylinder 411.

As the self-cleaning cartridge 2 becomes cluttered with debris, the internal pressure will rise. What is contemplated by this embodiment is the use of the increase in internal pressure to serve to power a back washing flow of fluid at counter flow through the filter 400. Since a certain volume of fluid is needed to clean the filter 400, a storage volume is created dynamically as a result of the increased internal pressure to serve as supply source for the backwash.

Several variables are calibrated to optimize the cleaning capacity of the self-cleaning filter equipped with the self-cleaning cartridge 2 as shown at FIGS. 9-11. First, the pressure of the air is calibrated and increased through the tap 419 to create a force F1 on area S1 inside of the head (where F1=Pressure of air×S1). In addition to this force, a second force F2 is added that opposes the increase in the size of the cavity 416 from the biasing element 412 compressed in the cavity 414. Most biasing elements have a linear force (where F2=Constant×Displacement). As the head 413 moves in the support cylinder 411 to create the cavity 414, the fixed volume of pressurized air will increase in pressure as the volume reduces thus and the biasing element force F2 is also increased as a result of the compression of the element 412. The more the filter 400 is dirty the higher the pressure and thus the greater the size of the cavity 414. In one embodiment, the cavity 414 is made to reach the greatest volume at pressures close to the maximum pressure acceptable in operation before the filter 400 must be replaced.

Also FIG. 10 illustrates the situation where the head 413 is locked in place against a tab 420 and cannot be pushed further to the right even as the pressure further increases in the cavity 414. The concept shown of including within the filter 400 a cavity 414 of variable size that can then be used as a reservoir of increased pressure to initiate, maintain, a back wash across the filtering media 400 or any other type of filter as shown at FIGS. 1-8 is disclosed.

The use of a biasing element and pressurized air is redundant, a single mechanism to produce force on S1 is needed. What is also contemplated is a back flushing line in the filtration system 100 where the pressure is lower than the pressure needed to operate the black flushing system (i.e. lower than the pressure of the cavity 414 at its greatest volume. The arrows 500, 501, and 502 indicate the displacement of the fluid or oil as the back flushing is conducted out of the back flushing line to the purifier. Internal combustion engines are particularly well suited for this technology, for example car engines, truck engines, marine propulsion engines and off-highway machinery. Also contemplated is the use of this technology in conjunction with hydraulic oil applications where variations in oil pressure oil occur during regular operation.

A self-cleaning filter 2 for a lubricant includes a body 440 for holding a lubricant shown by the arrows includes a first end a second end in opposition, a narrow walled filter 400 external to the body 440, the body 440 enclosing a support cylinder 411 having a force inducing element such as air or a biasing element 412 such as a coil spring and a moving head 413 moved by the force inducing element for defining a cavity 414 inside the support cylinder 411 by the head 413 and the support cylinder 411, wherein lubricant enters the cavity 414 as the lubricant in the body pressurizes and moves the head 413 from the first end to the second end shown on the figure from the left to the right, and wherein the filter 2 is cleaned by the back flow of lubricant out of the cavity as the head moves out of the cavity under a reduction of the pressure in the lubricant 500, 501, and 502. The force inducing element can be a pressurized gas such as air or normal compressed air and wherein the force inducing element is a biasing element such as a coiled spring or both.

It is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that these different elements correspond to the general elements found in this disclosed system to practice this disclosure. Other auxiliary elements and limitations may be imagined and contemplated to operate this system, but they do not affect the validity and completeness of the disclosure of this system. Persons of ordinary skill in the art appreciate that although the teachings of the disclosure have been illustrated in connection with certain embodiments, there is no intent to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the contrary, the intention of this application is to cover all modifications and embodiments falling fairly within the scope of the teachings of the disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-cleaning filter for a lubricant, the filter comprising: a body including a first end, a second end in opposition, and a plurality of longitudinal channels between the first end and the second end; a cylindrical filtration media external to the body enclosing the plurality of longitudinal channels in contact with a rotating inlet cover plate with a plurality of entry openings at the first end, and a rotating outlet cover plate with a drain opening at the second end; and a drive mechanism connected to a drive shaft and the inlet cover plate and the outlet cover plate alternately placing the drain opening in fluidic communication with each of the longitudinal channels, wherein the drain opening is in communication with one of the plurality of longitudinal channels not in fluidic communication with one of the plurality of entry openings, and wherein the rotating inlet cover plate and the rotating outlet cover plate rotate relative to said body and said cylindrical filtration media.
 2. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is a 24-volt DC motor.
 3. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 1, wherein the drive mechanism is a 12-volt DC motor.
 4. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 1, further comprising a housing for enclosing an external cavity between an internal surface of the housing, an external surface of the filtration media, the inlet cover plate, and the outlet cover plate.
 5. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 1, wherein the lubricant is oil.
 6. A self-cleaning filter for a lubricant, comprising: a body for holding a lubricant including a first end, a second end in opposition, and a plurality of longitudinal channels between the first end and the second end, a narrow walled filter external to the body, the body enclosing a support cylinder and enclosing the plurality of longitudinal channels in contact with a rotating inlet cover plate with a plurality of entry openings at the first end, and a rotating outlet cover plate with a drain opening at the second end, and wherein the drain opening is in communication with one of the plurality of longitudinal channels not in fluidic communication with one of the plurality of entry openings, having a force inducing element and a moving head moved by the force inducing element for defining a cavity inside the support cylinder by the head, and the support cylinder, wherein lubricant enters the cavity as the lubricant in the body pressurizes and moves the head from the first end to the second end, and wherein the filter is cleaned by the back flow of lubricant out of the cavity as the head moves out of the cavity under a reduction of the pressure in the lubricant.
 7. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 6, wherein the force inducing element is a pressurized gas.
 8. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 7, wherein the pressurized gas is air.
 9. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 6, wherein the force inducing element is a biasing element.
 10. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 9, wherein the biasing element is a coiled spring.
 11. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 7, wherein the force inducing element further includes a biasing element.
 12. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 6, wherein the lubricant is oil.
 13. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 6, wherein the head further includes a sealing element.
 14. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 6, wherein the cavity includes a tab.
 15. The self-cleaning filter for a lubricant of claim 8, wherein the air is entered through a tap at the second end. 